Sam Alvarez

I remember walking into my first day of Interns and saying to myself, "OMG THERE IS THAT GUY WHO PLAYS ON THE GENERATION CHURCH WORSHIP BAND!" Though he makes fun of me for it all the time, I really did think Sam was one of the coolest kids around. In fact, I thought he was so cool, he intimidated the crap out of me and I was afraid to talk to him for the longest time.
Luckily those days are way behind us and Sam has grown to be one of my closest and dearest friends. If fact, I would say he is more amazing now then when I first saw him that day in Interns.
If there was one word to describe this man, it would be the word "genuine". Everything he does comes from such a pure and loving heart. There is nothing fake about him. When he speaks to you and tells you how great you are... he means it. He doesn't say things just to flatter but he says things because he really looks at who you are as a person. It does not matter if you are the most famous person in the world or the loneliest of lonely... he will treat you the same. Earthly status has so value to this man. It's character he looks for. I admire this about him. Some times people do not realize how easy it is to get caught up in the social hype of things but to Sam, he just lives life and loves everyone along the way. No matter how big or small you are.
Some times it amazes me how easily he makes friends. No matter where we go, he is always meeting new people and getting to know who they are and wants to know something about you. I remember walking into McCormick & Schmick's one time after a wedding and Sam knew just about everyone who worked their. First names and all. He just has favor with people. It's amazing. A talent I wish I could cultivate more in myself actually. Then there was another time when we went to a Corn Maze and we got to a bridge and looked at the view. Rather than just keeping to ourselves, Sam goes out of his way to talk to the guy working in the middle of the field. He introduces himself, talks to him about life and work and then later wishes him a wonderful evening. Just amazing.
Beyond just being a people person, many of us know Sam as a man of worship. MAN IS THIS GUY TALENTED! Seriously.. I can not wait to see where God takes him with his musical talents. Each song he writes comes from true passion and honest feeling. You can tell by the way he sings it. Almost every time he plays a new song for me, I always end up either crying or God speaking to me in some amazing way. He is anointed at this. He really is. You get caught up in his worship. You just can't help it. During interns, I always looked forward to him leading because God always seemed to show up so thick in the place whenever he lead. I will always be forever grateful for those moments in Interns too.
Last of all, Sam knows how to just stinking have fun! He is always creating memories where ever we go. Never taking any moment for granted. He loves like and you can tell. There is always a full smile on his face and is optimistic spirit always pours out of him wherever he goes. In fact, when I want to be a party pooper, I can always count on him to some how talk me into going out and every time... I never regret going and doing it.
One day, Sam will change the world. He will change the world through his music and he will change the world through the way he loves people. This man has a big heart. When you have a big heart and you are willing to just obey... there is no doubt God is going to use it.

Memories: Corn maze, New Years Night, eating your mom's amazing food at your house, 1st day of Interns, day you played your song in Interns that first year, going out after Tiffany's wedding.